Sunday Ride to Arnside 19/07/20 Mike Bridges

It was another long ride this Sunday.  Ian and I met where Broughton lights used to be, along with a number of other cyclists (nothing to do with us!).  We were expecting a long ride and headed north up the A6 in sparse traffic and sunshine.  We mad good time this way to Lancaster where we crossed the Millennium Bridge before continuing as far as Crag Bank before turning on to minor roads.

Our first break was a bench on the platform of Silverdale station in the sun.  Very pleasant!  From here we continued into Arnside, sitting for a while on the pier amidst all the tourists and taking in the atmosphere.  Having negotiated stalled traffic by Arnside station, our route took us through Dallam Park (passing Ray, who was cycling the other way with his usual energy, we were pleased to see) on route for Beetham and Holme.

Passing the Quaker burial ground, we joined Route 90 at Cinderbarrow, crossed the M6 and the canal, taking part of our lunch in Priest Hutton before continuing past Capernwray to the Kellets.  We were “spotted” by Gillian before we headed out of Nether Kellet on the back road to Halton.  Here, we crossed the Lune to follow the cycleway to Caton, re-joining Route 90 to head south for Quernmore and Five Lane Ends with views of the Lancashire Plain to the right.

Much of the day had been relatively free of hills, but here was a change of profile.  The last leg took us over Harrisend Fell to experience even better views over the coastal plains and surrounding scenery both north and south of Oakenclough.  After a brief stop for the second part of lunch, our descent of Delph Lane and Bleasdale Lane brought us to Claughton and Route 6, then Route 90, Bilsborrow and Woodplumpton in order to reach Preston.

It was my turn to do the “extra bit” home today, finishing with 95 miles and just over 4000 feet of ascent, with Ian a little less distance.  A long day, but an excellent ride.

Mike Bridges